Guerin breaks down summer moves

For new Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins general manager Bill Guerin, having too much of a good thing is never a problem.

Especially on the blue line.

In a conference call Monday, Guerin talked about the current state of the Penguins roster following the initial flurry of free agency earlier this month. One of the groups he is most excited about is the team’s defensive corps, which figures to look a lot different than it did last season.

“I think when you take a look at what we did last year, it was pretty apparent that you can never have enough defensemen,” Guerin said. “Too many guys that started the season in Wilkes-Barre ended up contributing with Pittsburgh.

“We’re thrilled to have the guys that we’ve signed.”

For Guerin, the key throughout the organization is striking the right balance of young talent and veteran leadership on the blue line.

But also at the core are young players with upside — such as Jeff Taylor, Ethan Prow and the newly-acquired Jarred Tinordi.

Guerin cited Summers, who made his professional debut in 2009, as a stabilizing force and someone who has built the reputation of an on-ice leader.

That should specifically benefit Taylor and Prow.

As for Tinordi, Guerin is bullish on the potential of the 2010 first-round pick.

“I think there’s a lot of untapped potential there with (Tinordi’s) size and mobility and his grit level,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any reason why at some point in time, he’s not going to be a full-time NHLer.”

There are also high expectations for the forwards. One of those is Reid Gardiner, who played 23 games with the Penguins last season before returning to juniors. Guerin said the 21-year-old’s confidence was likely boosted by his stint with Kelowna to conclude the season, and he will make great strides if he can learn to play with pace.

Another is Colin Smith, who has produced at least 30 points in four consecutive seasons but also bounced among three different teams. A more streamlined coaching direction could lead to even more production.

Overall, Guerin is happy with the team’s current makeup. However, he is in continuous contact with Penguins coach Clark Donatelli, Wheeling head coach Jeff Christian and agents to discuss any other players that can add even more depth.

“It’s not one specific area,” Guerin said. “I’m comfortable where we are at forward and (defense) and goalie, but if we can just keep improving, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Other notes from Monday’s conversation:

• Guerin is very much supportive of the AHL’s ruling to allow players on league contracts to participate in the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

He said the team will monitor any possible involvement for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton players and is confident the organization’s depth can fill in any gaps.

“I’ve been in the Olympics, and it’s an amazing event,” he said. “For that door to open up for American League-contracted guys, it’s a great opportunity.

“We’ll see if anybody gets that call and cross that bridge (if needed).”

• There have not been any hirings for the open spots at assistant coach or on the team training staff. However, Guerin said the team “has made a lot of headway” and expects to make an announcement in the near future.

Preseason plans

On Monday, the team announced its four-game preseason schedule, which features a pair of contests against the Hershey Bears and Binghamton Devils.

The Penguins will host Hershey and Binghamton at 7:05 p.m. on Sept. 27 and 29, respectively, before facing each team on the road over the following two nights.

The Binghamton franchise, once an archrival of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, is entering its first season as the affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.

Contact the writer:

tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2089; @CVPiccotti on Twitter

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